January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

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2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

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4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.

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Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

January 5, 2017 by Darlene

Bill Hogan 3.5 Mile Race Recap

January 1, 2017

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2. (I was Florida for Winter Series #1.)

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Last year, I wasn’t that crazy. I decided to run only 3.5 miles.

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It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again this year.

For New Year’s Eve, my hubby and I had a quiet evening – just dinner out and a movie. We usually go Lake George on New Year’s Day and to a party but my hubby didn’t want to and I was fine with it (cuz I secretly wanted to do this race.)

all I drank was this small bottle of champagne

I arrived at UAlbany early and was surprised at how many people were running on New Year’s Day (at least 500.) It helped that the race didn’t start until noon so even if you did party for New Year’s Eve, you could still race this one.

Plus, the weather was perfect – sunny and close to 40 degrees. Unfortunately it was breezy but it is always windy here (even if it’s isn’t anywhere else.)

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc. So it’s great seeing everyone and catching up.

I immediately bumped into Judy and we hung out inside and chatted with one of her friends until the race began.

in Skirt Sports, of course

I also wound up chatting with another runner that was running the half marathon option. And then we had to hustle to get to the start.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race. And I did. In the beginning, I had to weave in and out to get past the slower runners. But then, it was fine, I tried to keep an even pace. (Except when I passed my Freihofer/Turkey Trot coach, then I sped up. LOL)

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This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired.

I kept up a decent pace for the first 2 miles. There were no mile markers but I could hear my Garmin beep. I really didn’t pay attention to my pace or time.

By mile 3, I was losing steam. So I started to walk in order to maintain some kind of decent pace. Plus, you were running into the wind the whole last mile. I walked several times including up the last hill.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read almost 34 minutes. So I booked it and passed quite a few runners. There was quite a gridlock at the finish line and it is not chip timed. You have to stand in line and get a piece of paper and then record your time.

Since I forgot to stop my Garmin right away, I asked my friend (who crossed with me) what her time was and so recorded mine at 34:03.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:06
mile 2: 9:03
mile 3: 9:17
.82 – 9:57

Yes, the course was long!! Last year, it was 3.75 not 3.5 miles too.

Surprisedly I was faster than last year. It is nice to know that this relaxing goal is not making me slower.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile for Judy and some other runners to finish.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. I was chatting with some runners and was surprised when they called my name for 2nd in my age group. (The fast ladies were running the half marathon. Lucky me!)

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I chose cranberry walnut

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

Well, I usually run it in the dark. It is so different during the day.

My legs started really dragging. I guess I was tired. So I just ran and walked, etc.

Finally I finished up a little over 3 miles and went back inside to chat with some of my friends who had run the half marathon.

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off 2017!!

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s? If not, when is your first race of 2017?

January 2, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 12.26.16-1.1.17

Last Week:

Monday – I was supposed to go out to dinner & movie after work but instead I went shopping to check out the after Christmas sales at the mall. Didn’t spent a lot but got some steps in.

Tuesday – I squeezed in a run before tennis. It was 40 degrees – felt like a heat wave.

After tennis, the tennis ladies celebrated with a dinner out (yes another.)

Wednesday – Decided to go for another after work run due to the impending snowstorm.

Ran in town where I used to run all the time before there was the rail trail.

Thursday– A hair appointment was the only activity I had today. Snow hit us again. But at least we didn’t get as much as predicted.

Friday – Despite yesterday’s snow, the roads were clear enough and I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game.

Alyssa had to cancel so I was back running in town

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house, and rest up for New Year’s Eve. A quiet evening of a movie and dinner with the hubby.

sad but good

Sunday – I ran my first HMRRC winter series run of the season and my first race of 2017. Th e weather was perfect for running (though a little windy). I loved starting the year off with a “relaxing” free race.

lucky for me that the speedy ladies ran the half marathon option so I won 2nd in my AG 🙂

After lots of refreshments, I dragged myself out for a little over 3 more miles.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, dinner & a movie with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 7 mile run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 27, 2016 by Darlene

My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)

Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

: on the bridge early in the race

: Feb 2016 – freezing in Sarasota, Fla

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

2016

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne at the Malta 5k.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

December 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY. The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began. Lots of costumes and holiday spirit. This is the race that I run every year.

2. EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl. I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl. I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence. I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

Afterwards you can attend the annual First Night activities in beautiful downtown Saratoga.

Happy Running? What races do you like to run during the holidays?

December 22, 2016 by Darlene

My Year (2016) in Numbers

Miles – 1000+
Races – 43
Marathons – 0
Half Marathons – 7
10 milers – 2
15ks – 3
8.4 milers – 1
10ks – 4
5 milers – 2
4 milers – 0
3.5 milers – 1
5ks – 23
Mentoring races – 2 (of the 5ks)
Race-cations – 4 (Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC, Panama City Beach, FL)
DNS – 1
DNF – 0
Age Group Awards ~ 21
PRs – 1 (13.1)
Injuries – 0
New Races – 15
States – 4 (NY, VT, MA, FL)
New States – 1 (MA)
Races in the rain – 5
Ambassadorships – 1 (Skirt Sports)
Running Shoes – 4 (Nike Vomero 10)

Highlights:

Although running achievements are personal. You cross the finish line on your own and your time is what you earn yourself. However, my most memorable racing experiences this past year were those that I shared with others.

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Celebrate Life Half Marathon (& Relay) with Judy, Barbara & a whole busload of runners

Lake George Half Marathon with Barbara

Vermont City Marathon Relay with AJH

Ramblefest Half Marathon with Alyssa

Dash to the Finish 5k with the Russians, Anna, Tatiana & Julia

Panama City Beach Half Marathon with Holly, Tricia, Wendy, Karen, Mary Beth, Marcia & Judy for the #HoLottaFun weekend

Having fun is much more important than the numbers.

And 2016 was a good year for me!!

Since it is also Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your year turn out by the numbers? What were your most memorable running experiences?

December 20, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: My Running Year in Pictures

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Your year in pictures:

I’ve run 43 races and over 1000 miles. How can I limit myself??

But I’ll and only post one racing picture per month:

January:

lots of free races with friends as part of the HMRRC’s Winter Series

February:

windy and cold but I completed an awesome half marathon (Sarasota Music) in Florida while visiting friends

March:

perfect weather for the hilliest half marathon (Celebrate Life) and a fun time on the bus road trip

April:

another nice day for a half marathon along my favorite lake (Lake George) and with my running buddy Barbara

May:

loved getting to see fellow blogger AJH and survived this heat cancelled marathon relay (VCM)

June:

one of my favorite races (Adirondack Distance 10 Miler) that finishes next door to the marina where we keep our boat

July:

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not all races have had good weather but still a good time in this wet 5k (Saratoga Springs)

August:

this 8.4 mile race was on my bucket list and happy to be able to run this hilly one and win my AG

September:

Another local half marathon completed on a beautiful course (Saratoga Palio) followed by free beer and bar food

October:

Half Marathon #22 and a PR!!! Loved this race!! (Ramblefest)

November:

sharing 3 Russian young women’s first NYC racing experience was the best! (Dash to the Finish 5k)

December:

Sharing half marathon #23 with 7 amazing ladies #holottafun

Phew! That was tough! I could have posted at least 10 pics for each month. I also ignored all those running experiences that were not part of a race.

Here’s just a few:

: along the Hudson River, NYC

: along the East River, NYC

: in Central Park, NYC

: along the Rail Trail, Delmar, NY

: along the Zim Smith Trail, Round Lake, NY

: Corning Bike Path

I’ve enjoyed a great 2016 and feel so fortunate to have had zero injuries and to have been able to race often and with so many wonderful runners.

Happy Running! What is your favorite memory of 2016?

December 15, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Weather, Races, 2017, etc.

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

COLD

I know that I should expect it but last winter was so mild that I forgot how to run in the cold.

today -0 with the wind chill

Needless to say, I am not running today or tomorrow and maybe not until Monday.

I do not own a treadmill and even if I did, I hate it!!

This used to be my motto. And I will get my mojo back. I hope….

Races

I am done racing for 2016. My next race is Jan 1 and that is only 3.5 miles. That may explain my lethargic attitude to running in the cold.

I don’t need to start running over 6 miles on the weekend until Jan 15 so I guess I’m on a break.

glad this happened already! 1000 miles for 2016.

2017

I’m a planner. I will probably do most of the same local races.

In addition:

Stuart, Fla – ALL SET!!! Anyone else???

I DID NOT get into the NYC Half lottery (Again!!!) Boo Hoo!!

And I will be deferring my $10 entry into this one until 2018:

But I am thinking about this one – it’s not my preferred NYC race but just maybe:

anyone else running this one?

I am also considering this one:

Runners on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail at the 2015 Steel Rail Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy Berkshire Running Center)

Steel Rail Half Marathon – Adams, MA – May 21, 2017

#HoLottaFun

I am missing my new running/blogger friends. I know that I only spent one weekend with them but I feel like I’ve known them forever.

Good thing for texting so we can keep in touch daily.

There’s still openings in my schedule for 2017. Hopefully there will be another girls weekend in there.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? Do you mind the cold weather? What races are you looking forward to in 2017?

December 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Last Run Race Recap (& TOTR)

The Last Run was actually my last run of 2016.

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1900). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. Last year, it was cold and windy.

last year

I was hoping for better weather this year. But we ended up with the coldest weather we’ve experienced this year.

back in 2010 – I have that jacket in many colors

I normally pickup my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night but this year, I just forgot.

for years, we got windbreakers, then we got shirts with a logo – now this??

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. I hate to overdress but how to stay warm and also be comfortable???

I decided to leave my car at my yoga place at work (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold. At least we get to wait inside.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

me & Mary Pat (my tennis pal who started me running)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

I lost MP but found Holly (my AG rival from my turkey trot group). We waited outside together and admired everyone’s crazy costumes.

from the TU

Then all of a sudden the fireworks began.

The fireworks were great but we were FREEZING and anxious for the race to begin.

About 10 minutes late, it finally did. Holly took off like a bat, as usual. I knew that I could not keep up. My legs were so stiff and it was cold. I had a hard time breathing. I felt like I was running fast but as I passed mile one at 9:46. I obviously was not.

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and I was always running with many other costumed runner throughout the whole race.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

My legs continued to feel really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around in the cold and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.) And maybe I was tired from having run 20 miles between Sat and Mon. Who knows?

from the TU

The hills didn’t help. Why do I not remember how hilly it was? It didn’t bother me in previous years but this year, I struggled. I even walked up them.

So I just resigned myself to just run and enjoy the lights. And I did!! I love this race!!!

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally around mile 3, my hands and feet warmed up and I felt like I could run at a decent speed. (Too little, too late LOL)